Greek Orthodox Easter

Easter, the most important Greek Orthodox religious feast, is celebrated with great solemnity. Evening services (mass) take place throughout the Holy Week. On Holy Thursday evening the Liturgy of the Passion is chanted. On Good Friday evening the encomiums of the dead Christ are chanted and around 20.30 the Epitaphios (Sepulchre) is taken in procession through the streets. On Holy Saturday night towards midnight, Christ’s Resurrection is celebrated out in the open and children light the Lambradjia (great fire) to burn the figure of Judas. On Easter Sunday and Monday, traditional games are organised in towns and villages across the Lefkosia, Lemesos, Larnaka, Pafos and Ammochostos districts.